Biomarker Pioneer Backs Next-Gen Alzheimer's Test with circRNA Tech

SAN DIEGO, CA – April 24, 2026 – In a move that signals a significant validation for a new frontier in medical diagnostics, Circular Genomics has appointed Dr. Henrik Zetterberg, one of the world's most influential figures in Alzheimer's biomarker research, to its Scientific Advisory Board. The appointment brings together a pioneer who helped establish the current generation of blood tests for neurodegenerative disease with a company championing a novel technology—circular RNA (circRNA)—that could redefine how such conditions are detected and managed.

Dr. Zetterberg's decision to advise the San Diego-based startup is seen by industry observers as a powerful endorsement of circRNA's potential to overcome the limitations of existing diagnostic methods. As the field rapidly moves away from invasive spinal taps and costly PET scans toward simple blood tests, Circular Genomics is betting that its unique approach will provide a more precise, stable, and earlier window into the brain's health, a mission now bolstered by one of the architects of the modern biomarker landscape.

A New Class of Brain Biomarkers

For years, the holy grail in Alzheimer's research has been a simple, reliable, and scalable diagnostic tool. The recent emergence of blood tests measuring proteins like phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and neurofilament light (NfL)—work in which Dr. Zetterberg was instrumental—has marked a major breakthrough. However, the scientific quest for even better markers continues, and circular RNAs are emerging as a leading candidate.

Unlike the linear RNA molecules that are well-known for carrying genetic instructions, circRNAs are a unique class of RNA that form a covalently closed loop. This structure makes them exceptionally stable and resistant to the enzymatic degradation that quickly breaks down other RNAs in the bloodstream. More importantly, many circRNAs are highly abundant and specifically expressed in the brain, meaning their presence in the blood can serve as a direct, non-invasive proxy for neurological activity and health.

Research, including foundational work from institutions like Washington University in St. Louis—a key collaborator with Circular Genomics—has shown that specific circRNA signatures in the blood can be linked to Alzheimer's pathology. Some studies suggest these RNA markers may even predict the risk of developing cognitive symptoms years in advance, potentially outperforming some established protein biomarkers. Circular Genomics aims to harness this potential, developing proprietary blood-based assays that can provide a comprehensive and dynamic view of the brain biology underlying neurodegenerative diseases.

"Circular RNAs represent a fundamentally new class of brain-derived biomarkers that can provide a comprehensive view of brain biology" with tremendous potential to advance precision medicine in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, said Dr. Henrik Zetterberg. He noted that the company's platform "complements existing fluid biomarker approaches and opens new avenues for better understanding the dynamic brain processes that are critical for the pathogenesis and progression of brain disorders."

The 'Zetterberg Effect' on a Crowded Stage

The market for Alzheimer's diagnostics is becoming increasingly competitive. In the past year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted clearance to blood tests from major players like Fujirebio and Roche, primarily focused on measuring p-tau to detect amyloid pathology. These approvals have validated the clinical utility of blood biomarkers and set a regulatory precedent. While this opens the door for new entrants, it also raises the bar for differentiation.

This is where the strategic significance of Dr. Zetterberg's appointment becomes clear. As a Professor of Neurochemistry at the University of Gothenburg, UCL, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he has spent his career rigorously validating fluid biomarkers and translating them into clinical tools. His involvement provides Circular Genomics with unparalleled credibility and expertise in navigating the complex path from laboratory discovery to regulatory approval and clinical adoption.

Dr. Nikolaos Mellios, Chief Scientific Officer and Cofounder of Circular Genomics, highlighted this strategic value. "His unparalleled expertise in fluid biomarkers for neurodegeneration, combined with his track record of translating discoveries into clinical tools, makes him an ideal advisor as we advance our circRNA platform," he stated. "Dr. Zetterberg's guidance will be instrumental in ensuring our Alzheimer's disease diagnostics meet the highest standards of scientific rigor and clinical relevance."

By leveraging exclusive IP licenses and its collaboration with Washington University, Circular Genomics is building a defensible position in the market. The addition of Dr. Zetterberg adds a critical layer of scientific validation, signaling to investors, partners, and regulators that its novel circRNA technology is not just a scientific curiosity but a serious contender for the future of neurodiagnostics.

A New Era for Patient Care

Beyond the corporate strategy and scientific competition, the ultimate promise of this technology lies in its potential to transform the lives of patients and their families. For decades, a definitive Alzheimer's diagnosis was often a long, uncertain, and distressing journey. The advent of accessible blood tests is already changing this paradigm, but the work is far from over.

A highly accurate, non-invasive test based on circRNA could enable detection of Alzheimer's at its earliest stages, long before significant cognitive decline occurs. This early warning would be transformative, allowing patients and physicians to intervene sooner with newly approved amyloid-targeting therapies, implement crucial lifestyle changes, and plan for the future with greater certainty. Furthermore, such a tool would be invaluable for pharmaceutical development, helping to identify and enroll the right participants in clinical trials for the next generation of treatments.

Dr. Zetterberg expressed his enthusiasm for this patient-centric goal, stating, "I am excited to contribute my expertise in biomarker validation and clinical translation to help bring these innovative diagnostics to patients who need them." His commitment, alongside the focused mission of Circular Genomics, represents a powerful convergence of pioneering science and clinical need. As the company moves forward, the combination of its cutting-edge circRNA platform and the guidance of a world-leading expert may well accelerate the arrival of a new era in brain health, where devastating diseases like Alzheimer's can finally be made measurable, manageable, and perhaps one day, preventable.